Hospital Policies and Procedures

We know that information about you, your health and your family is personal and sensitive in nature. At Children's Hospital Colorado, we’re committed to protecting the privacy of this information, as well as protecting the rights of our patients and their families. Below, we've outlined the hospital policies and procedures all Children's Colorado locations follow to help us provide the best care possible.

Visitor policies

We understand that visitors play a vital role in the medical care process. That's why we welcome and encourage their visits.

All individuals visiting any inpatient area, emergency department, urgent care or outpatient clinic will need to provide identification at the appropriate check-in desk and complete a security and health screening. Our team members will issue a visitor's badge and provide navigation information for all visitors upon arrival. 

Zero-tolerance policy  

Children’s Hospital Colorado has a zero-tolerance policy for the following at any of our locations:  

• Tampering with medical equipment  
• Disruptive behavior or violent actions, including yelling, swearing, threats and physical attacks  
• Insults or slurs related to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by law or regulation
• Taking photos, recordings or videos of staff, equipment or other patient-families
• Using or having illegal drugs, alcohol, recreational marijuana or tobacco  
• Possession of weapons, regardless of local concealed carry laws. Exceptions are made for commissioned law enforcement officers, either in uniform or plain clothes, on or off-duty, holding a position with a city, state or federal agency regardless of their jurisdiction. Read our frequently asked questions about the Evolv Weapons Detection System.
• Activities that are inappropriately sexual in nature

Patients, family members and visitors who violate these or other safety concerns may be asked to leave the unit or hospital. Security will be called, and we may need to restrict your child’s visitors.  

Faith community, clergy or religious leader visits

We encourage faith leaders to connect with patients and families in the hospital via phone or video call. To learn about our visitor policy and determine if an in-person visit is appropriate, please contact our Spiritual Care team in advance. We look forward to connecting with you.

• To request a visit at Anschutz Medical Campus or other Denver Metro Area locations, please call 720-777-6325 or email SpiritualCare@childrenscolorado.org.
• To request a visit in Colorado Springs or Southern Colorado, please call 719-305-6325.

Visitors must adhere to behavior standards to create a safe environment for patients and team members. The number of visitors and other guidelines are as follows.

Exceptions for all visits

Any patient or visitor with disabilities (defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment) who requires help with the provision of medical or behavioral health care, activities of daily living, speaking for the patient or keeping the patient safe, may have a designated assistance person.

Patient visitor reminders

• All patients and visitors must pass a health screen to visit.  
• Do not visit if you're sick or have cold/flu symptoms. In some cases, ill or exposed visitors may be asked to leave.
• Eligible visitors with respiratory illness symptoms or recent illness exposure should wear a hospital-provided mask.
• Carry personal IDs with you as they will be checked against the caregiver list and you will be provided with an ID sticker to visit.  
• The information desk can assist with directions.
• Do not leave children unattended in public hospital areas. 

Sending love when you can't visit

If you're unable to visit due to our visitation rules, here are other ways to show love and concern for a patient in our hospitals:

• Call your loved one using the hospital main line: 720-777-1234.
• Use one of our free iPads to keep in touch.
• Send a free cheer card to the patient's room.
• Send an email or greeting card.
• Send balloons (mylar only) or other gifts from our gift shops.

HIPAA and protecting patient privacy

Each time you or your family visit Children's Colorado, we create a record of the care and services you receive. We need this record to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements.

Children's Colorado is committed to ensuring that your medical information is private and secure. We protect medical information as required by state laws and the federal rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Notice of privacy practices

Children's Colorado Notice of Privacy Practices applies to all of the records of your care generated by any of Children's Colorado's facilities. This notice, which also applies to University of Colorado School of Medicine physicians, provides information about the ways we may use and share your health information. We also describe your rights and certain obligations we have regarding the use and sharing of health information.

• Notice of Privacy Practices English (.pdf)
• Notice of Privacy Practices Spanish (.pdf)

Last updated Oct. 2025